Although Vietnamese cuisine is becoming increasingly diverse with new dishes influenced by other countries’ culinary styles, long-standing chè spots are still crowded with visitors from all over.
Chè comes in various forms, from hot to cold, depending on the season. Normally, cold chè is served in glass cups with ice on the side. On the other hand, hot chè is served in small bowls.
Let’s explore some top places to enjoy chè in Ho Chi Minh City:
Chè Kỳ Đồng
After more than 40 years of development, Chè Kỳ Đồng remains a familiar place for locals growing up and residing in Saigon. It is known for a wide selection of chè options. Locals and tourists alike are drawn to this vibrant space not only for the quality but also for the authentic ambiance of a street-side dessert shop.
Address: 16C Ky Dong Street, Ward 9, District 3
Opening hour: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Recommendations: Chè thái (tropical fruit mix with durian, lychee, jackfruit, and chewy jelly), Chè đậu trắng (white bean sweet soup), Chè đậu xanh (green bean sweet soup)
Chè Hà Ký
Chè Hà Ký has been famous for 30 years in the Cho Lon Chinatown. From a small chè stall to a symbol of Chinese culture in the heart of Saigon, Chè Hà Ký has been tied to the memories of many sweet-toothed locals. With both hot Chè and cold Chè, you can choose your own type.
Address: 138 Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 11, District 5
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Recommendations: Chè Mè Đen (Black Sesame), Cao Quy Linh (Guilinggao)
Bé Chè
Established in 1968, Bé Chè is one of the most popular chè stalls among locals in Ho Chi Minh City. With its popularity, the restaurant not only retains its regular customers, but also attracts many tourists from other regions of Vietnam and from other countries.
The menu is diverse with typical southern sweet soups such as Chè Thưng (Thung sweet soup), Chè chuối (Chuoi sweet soup), Cơm rượu (Wine rice). In addition, the owner also specially introduces the famous Chè Thái (Thai sweet soup). Although it has only been sold for about nine years, it has become a best-seller.
Address: Stall 1154 - 1130, Gate 7 Ben Thanh Market, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Opening hours: 07:00 AM – 17:30 PM
Recommendations: Chè Thái (Thai sweet soup), Chè Thưng (Thung sweet soup), Chè chuối (Chuoi sweet soup)
Chè Kai Kai
Chè Kai Kai is a newly opened Chinese traditional dessert shop. If you want to enjoy something modern and nostalgic simultaneously, give Chè Kai Kai a try!
The menu has a variety of sweet soup dishes originating from Chinese cuisine and snacks. Also, from the interior design to the flavors of each dish, you can experience Chinese culinary culture in Saigon while enjoying a cozy, friendly atmosphere with a Hong Kong vibe.
Address: 36 Huynh Man Dat Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Recommendations: Chè Mè Đen (Black Sesame)
Chè Campuchia Cô Huôi
From a small roadside chè stall, after more than 40 years of hard work selling delicious and attractive Cambodian sweet soups, Ms. Huoi has built her own sweet soup shop. Ms. Huôi's sweet soup is said to be exactly like Cambodian delicacies, from the way it is cooked, the way it is decorated to the taste of the sweet soup.
Ms. Huoi's dessert shop only has about 5-7 dishes, but each can bring you a distinctive experience with its special and unique taste. Among them, a must-try dish is the sweet soup with squash, called num-à-pơi in Cambodian. If you don’t remember the name of the dish, just call it by its ingredients: squash with egg and milk.
Address: 57/21A Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 10, District 10
Opening hours: 02:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Recommendations: Chè bí đỏ (pumpkin sweet soup)